Paper in an Indian climate has two enemies and both work slowly enough that nobody notices until a whole box has changed.
What actually destroys them
Humidity, which foxes paper, encourages mould and makes covers cockle. The monsoon does most of the damage in this category.
Acid migration. Cheap boards and cardboard are acidic and they darken whatever they touch. So does newsprint used as packing.
Light, which fades covers — especially reds — and does it permanently.
Weight. A stack of comics presses spines and rolls covers.
What to do instead
- Bagged and boarded, each one, with acid-free boards
- Upright in a proper box, not stacked flat
- Inside wall, off the floor, away from windows and away from the kitchen
- Silica gel in the box, replaced when spent
- Not sealed in plastic long term — bags are not airtight for a reason
Mylar and long-term bags
Polypropylene bags are fine and cheap; archival bags last longer before they themselves degrade. Either way, replace bags and boards every few years. The bag is a consumable, not a permanent solution.
What it costs
Bags, boards and a box — a small amount per comic and the best money in the hobby. A dehumidifier is a coastal-city decision rather than a general one.
Questions people ask
Can I store comics in a loft?
No. Heat and humidity swings are worse there than anywhere else in the house.
Does pressing fix a rolled cover?
Sometimes, and it must be declared when selling. Prevention is cheaper.
How often should I check?
Twice a year, and always after the monsoon.